Jump to content

Acceleration given weight and mass


Klaxon

Recommended Posts

So we just started a unit on motion.

 

The question is:

 

Calculate the mass of an object if it accelerated at 3.5m/s squared under the influence of a net force of 70N.

 

Is the way to work this out just m= w/g?

 

I got 20kg.

Edited by Klaxon
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The net force causing the acceleration is

 

Force = mass x acceleration.

 

In the dynamics of motion we regard gravity as an acceleration (g), not a force, so

 

Weight is the name we give to the force that gravity exterts on a body of mass m.

 

W = mg

 

In this system, remember that kg are units of mass, not force or weight.

Force is in Newtons. (you have to convert if it is given in any other units)

 

So W is in Newtons, mass is in kg and acceleration is in metres per second2

 

Does this help?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.